89. How to Build Rapport with Clients So That They Trust You As Their Advisor

On this week episode, I explored one of the most essential soft skills for advisors – building real rapport with clients. Rapport isn’t about impressing someone or pushing them forward; it’s about walking beside them, understanding their world, and supporting them at their pace. When you build that trust, conversations flow more naturally, decisions become clearer, and results happen faster.I shared how easy it is to accidentally break rapport, especially when we fall into the trap of unconscious competence – assuming clients should understand things as quickly as we do. But true advisory work means stepping into their perspective, listening deeply, and reflecting back what they’re truly saying.I also shared a personal story about my daughter to illustrate how different perspectives can shift an entire environment – and why fighting those differences only breaks trust.Finally, I offered practical tips to help advisors build stronger connections with their clients, because when you lead with rapport, transformation follows.Key Takeaways:1. Stepping into your client’s world builds trust faster than any polished pitch.  "It's the difference between telling someone what they should see and actually stepping into their shoes to see it with them." – Amanda C. Watts 2. Matching your client’s pace is where real connection happens."Don't rush to the finish line while they're still lacing up their shoes." – Amanda C. Watts 3. Deep, respectful listening uncovers real challenges and creates meaningful breakthroughs."Don't just wait for your turn to speak. Truly listen to what they're telling you." – Amanda C. Watts 4. Curiosity builds bridges, not walls, especially when a client’s perspective doesn’t make sense to you."Curiosity builds bridges, not walls." – Amanda C. Watts 5. Reflecting back what you hear shows you’re paying attention and helps clients build confidence."Mirror back what you hear. It shows you're paying attention." – Amanda C. Watts  Want more? Join THE FREEDOM TRIBEHere's all the FREE BONUSES you'll receive when you join our exciting community on Skool; The Freedom Tribe Global Community Of Peers: CPAs, accountants, fractional CFOs, bookkeepers and finance professionals from all over the world sharing ideas, best practice and innovations with each other. Digital copy of Amanda's NEW BOOK, the Business Advisor Playbook: 300+ pages that will transform your approach and share the strategies you need to create, sell and deliver business advisory services. Digital copy of 500:200 Model™ Guide: My tried-and-tested formula for taking home at least 200K with business advisory revenue of 500K. 12 Days Of Business Advisory video series: that walks you through creating the perfect advisory offer. Hand Picked And Categorised episodes of the Business Advisor Podcast to accelerate your journey from a compliance-led to an advisory-led practice. PLUS: There are a few other surprise bonuses that can be UNLOCKED once you are inside the community: Get Clients Course and 5 Day LinkedIn Challenge. Super excited to see you there, and looking forward to helping you achieve all that you want in life. -Speak to you in the next episode...